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LOS ANGELES, California/USA (Monday, February 26, 2018) – The World Surf League (WSL) today announced the Founders’ Cup of Surfing presented by Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, a historic region-versus-region teams event featuring a cross-section of the world’s best surfers to be held at Surf Ranch in Lemoore, CA from May 5 – 6, 2018.

Five teams – USA, Brazil, Australia, Europe and World – made up of men’s and women’s surfers from the elite WSL Championship Tour, will compete over the two-day event at the world-class, man-made wave venue of Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. The competition will be hosted against a festival backdrop honoring the culture of surfing – food, music, beverage, art and special guests will all be on site for enjoyment.

“This technology has captured the imagination of the global surfing community and created a number of new opportunities for the WSL,” Sophie Goldschmidt, WSL CEO, said. “The Founders’ Cup of Surfing will be the organization’s first public event at the facility and we’re very excited to showcase the wave and the world’s best surfers through this unique team format in May.”

The Surf Ranch facility, which was revealed online to the public in December 2015, boasts the best man-made wave in history – a 700-yard, high-performance, bi-directional wave featuring barrel sections and maneuver sections. Primarily existing as a testing facility, the Lemoore site has spent the past two years dialing in the technology under the guidance of 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) and feedback from visiting WSL surfers. A private test event last September proved very successful, paving the way for the May Founders’ Cup of Surfing to be the first time the public will be allowed onto the grounds.

The Founders’ Cup of Surfing will see the men and women competing alongside one another in the team format, a first for WSL events that will add a new dimension to surf competition. The teams will be made up of three men and two women from each region, and the five-person teams will compete against one another throughout the course of the two-day event.

Kelly Slater (USA), 11-time WSL Men’s Champion, will lead the US men’s and women’s team at the Founders’ Cup. Although still recovering from a foot injury suffered last year in South Africa, Slater is eager to rehabilitate in time to compete in the Founders’ Cup.

“Surf Ranch and the wave system are obviously special to me and it’s really exciting to see it come online for the public in 2018, first with the Founders’ Cup and then with Surf Ranch Open,” Slater said. “As someone who has competed in probably every competition format there is, the Founders’ Cup region-versus-region, co-ed format is really intriguing to me. I think May is going to be a great showcase for the world’s best surfers at the facility.”

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), six-time WSL Women’s Champion, has been one of the standouts at the testing facility throughout the past year and the 30-year-old natural-footer will lead the Australian team at the Founders’ Cup this year.

“The facility and the wave at Surf Ranch is amazing,” Gilmore said. “It’s such a fun wave to surf and really high-performance. Having it come online to complement our ocean-based events in 2018 is really exciting and I’m looking forward to leading the Australia team at the Founders’ Cup in May.”

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 2014 WSL Men’s Champion and last season’s world runner-up, was victorious at last year’s test event at the Surf Ranch facility and the 24-year-old Brazilian will lead his South American colleagues at the venue in May.

“Leading the Brazil team at the Founders’ Cup in May is a real honor,” Medina said. “We have so much talent in Brazil on both the men’s and women’s side that I think we will be in a strong position to do well in the inaugural teams event.”

Johanne Defay (FRA), perennial threat on the WSL Women’s Championship Tour, has been one of the standouts throughout the 2017 training sessions at the facility. Defay will Captain the European squad at the Founders’ Cup.

“The Surf Ranch wave is so fun!” Defay said. “I was pumped when we heard that there would be a CT at the wave this year and now the Founders’ Cup. Team Europe will have some rippers on there for sure.”

Jordy Smith (ZAF), universally-regarded as one of the most progressive and powerful surfers on the planet, will captain the five-person World Team this May.

“Being able to captain the World Team is a real honor,” Smith said. “Our respective countries may not have the same numbers at the elite level as USA, Brazil and Australia, but we are able to draw from a huge talent pool. I’m frothing on the team aspect. It should be really exciting.”

Tickets will be available for sale starting March 12. Registration for pre-sale tickets can be found at WSLFoundersCup.com.

The Founders’ Cup of Surfing presented by Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold in May will be the first public event held at the facility. The Surf Cup Open, a men’s and women’s Championship Tour event, is scheduled for September 2018.

Presenting sponsor, Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, is made with sustainably sourced organic grains and features ingredients free from artificial colors and flavoring. Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold was born from a commitment to innovate using ingredients and inspiration from nature.

Led by reigning two-time WSL Champions John John Florence (HAW) and Tyler Wright (AUS), the first event of the 2018 WSL Championship Tour will be the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast in Australia from March 11 – 22, 2018.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

ENDS

The rights to the images attached or accessed by link within this email are granted by the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC (“World Surf League”) for editorial use only. No commercial rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an “as is” basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to individuals within the Images are not provided. The copyright is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The rights to the audio/visual content attached or accessed by link within this email (“Footage”) are granted by the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC (“World Surf League”) to you (the email recipient) and any entity you forward the same to pursuant to the terms and conditions below (“Footage License”): By opening or accessing the Footage, you accept the terms of this Footage License. The rights to the Footage (or any part of it) are royalty-free and granted for editorial use or news service use only and this Footage License will expire one (1) week from the date the event subject to this Footage License concludes. No rights for commercial use or modification of the Footage are granted in any way, including any association made with a commercial brand or message. Where the Footage is used in any way online, a link to www.worldsurfleague.com must exist where the Footage is visible. The Footage is provided, and must be used on an “as is” basis and no warranty is provided for it’s use by you. Rights to individuals or brands (except WSL) within the Footage are not granted. World Surf League owns all rights, including copyright to the Footage. ALL RIGHTS NOT SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED ABOVE ARE RESERVED BY WORLD SURF LEAGUE
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________________________________________
About WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, annually running in excess of 180 global events across the Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels, and in doing so crowns the undisputed world champions in Men’s, Women’s across all divisions within the tour.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Tyler Wright, John John Florence, Paige Alms, Kai Lenny, Taylor Jensen, Honolua Blomfield, Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, Gabriel Medina, Courtney Conlogue and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.

The rights to any audio/visual content attached or accessed by link within this email are provided strictly on the terms and conditions described under the “License Terms” below.

The World Surf League (WSL) is excited to announce that the WSL Surf Ranch Facility in Lemoore, Central California will host the world’s best surfers as part of the 2018 Championship Tour (CT) calendar.

“Based on the results of our test event this year and the feedback from surfers training at the facility throughout the season, next September’s event has the potential to be something special for both surfers and fans,” Sophie Goldschmidt, WSL CEO, said. “We’re only scratching the surface of how this technology can be applied and it is completely game-changing for the sport.”

“It’s incredible what the WSL and KSWC teams have developed at Surf Ranch over the past year and California’s Central Valley now boasts a world-class wave,” Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner, said. “This technology, and its ability to deliver high-quality waves at any location in the world, opens so many possibilities for how we can complement and evolve the competitive experience.”

Since coming online in December 2015, the WSL Surf Ranch Facility in Lemoore, California has undergone constant refinement and evolution of its technology. A test event this year in September delivered very positive results in terms of competitive experience and the overwhelmingly supportive feedback from surfers training there throughout the season has encouraged the WSL to pursue an event at the facility in 2018.

“The experience of competing at Surf Ranch is pretty extraordinary,” Adrian Buchan, CT competitor and athlete representative, said. “What the team have created is hard to fathom at first – a perfect, 300-metre-long, bi-directional wave in the middle of rural California. I have no doubt that both the quality of the wave and the experience is befitting of hosting a world-class CT event. The Ocean will always be our home, but as we grow, having the opportunity to showcase and share the stoke of surfing to new audiences and schedule with pinpoint accuracy the huge match-ups and drama of the WSL is really exciting.”

“The surfers and the WSL have had a long-running discussion about the whole new set of opportunities that an event at the Surf Ranch facility can offer for the sport,” Sage Erickson, CT competitor and athlete representative, said. “We now have the opportunity to schedule events in advance, guaranteed high-quality waves, fair opportunity for all surfers and a totally new and unique environment for spectators. One of the takeaways from this season’s test event is surfers really have to bring their whole approach – barrels, turns, airs, carves and timing – to make an impact. It’s going to be incredible.”

A full 2018 WSL schedule is planned to be released next week.

The 2017 WSL Men’s and Women’s Title Races are coming down to the final events of the season – the Billabong Pipe Masters in memory of Andy Irons in Hawaii, USA from December 8 – 20, 2017 and the Maui Women’s Pro at Honolua Bay from November 25 – December 6, 2017.

For more information, log onto worldsurfleague.com

ENDS

The rights to the images attached or accessed by link within this email are granted by the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC (“World Surf League”) for editorial use only. No commercial rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an “as is” basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to individuals within the Images are not provided. The copyright is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The rights to the audio/visual content attached or accessed by link within this email (“Footage”) are granted by the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC (“World Surf League”) to you (the email recipient) and any entity you forward the same to pursuant to the terms and conditions below (“Footage License”): By opening or accessing the Footage, you accept the terms of this Footage License. The rights to the Footage (or any part of it) are royalty-free and granted for editorial use or news service use only and this Footage License will expire one (1) week from the date the event subject to this Footage License concludes. No rights for commercial use or modification of the Footage are granted in any way, including any association made with a commercial brand or message. Where the Footage is used in any way online, a link to www.worldsurfleague.com must exist where the Footage is visible. The Footage is provided, and must be used on an “as is” basis and no warranty is provided for it’s use by you. Rights to individuals or brands (except WSL) within the Footage are not granted. World Surf League owns all rights, including copyright to the Footage. ALL RIGHTS NOT SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED ABOVE ARE RESERVED BY WORLD SURF LEAGUE.

About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running in excess of 180 global events across the Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels, and in doing so crowns the undisputed world champions in Men’s, Women’s across all divisions within the tour.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Tyler Wright, John John Florence, Paige Alms, Grant Baker, Phil Rajzman, Tory Gilkerson, Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, Gabriel Medina, Courtney Conlogue and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.

Jordy Smith (Durban) on his way to 2nd place in the Hurley Pro Trestles in California Photo: WSL / Morris

Filipe Toledo Clinches First Trestles Title and Second CT Victory of 2017

South Africa’s Jordy Smith increased his lead at the top of the Jeep Rankings Leaderboard when he finished runner-up to Filipe Toledo (BRA) in the final of the Hurley Pro Trestles, Stop No. 8 of 11 on the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), on Friday.

In a wave-starved final, Smith’s strategy of waiting for the bigger waves saw him record the highest score of the 35 minute encounter, a 9.0 out of 10,. But Toledo stayed busy and racked up scores of 8.0 and 7.67 to secure his first title at Trestles and in the process became the first male CT surfer to win two events this year.

“I would’ve liked to get a couple more waves in that heat, but today wasn’t my day, unfortunately, and Filipe [Toledo] just surfed really well,” Smith said. “I went out there with a strategy and executed it pretty much as perfectly as I could. But in surfing there are some things you can’t control and that’s Mother Nature. In that 35-minutes I just didn’t get a second chance.

“Now I’ll just try to focus on the next event and live every moment for what it is and what’s to come. It’s time to get ready for Europe where it’s very happy-go-lucky and I like roaming those lineups and just being there.”

Smith, who came into the event ranked No. 1, 950 points ahead of 2016 World Champion John John Florence (HAW), earned US $50,000 (approx R650,000) and 8,000 points at Trestles. The Durbanite is now 2,450 points ahead of Florence, who remains rankings runner-up following his defeat by Toledo in the semi-finals, and 8,650 points above No. 3 Julian Wilson (AUS).

Toledo put on spectacular performances for the San Clemente crowd with his powerful turns and big airs throughout the event. Today’s Final Series witnessed Toledo continue to turn up the heat en route to the 5th CT victory of his career.

“Finally! This is a very special moment right now,” said Toledo. “I always get stopped in the semis and beating Jordy [Smith], the one who beat me last time, is an incredible feeling. I’m so thankful for all my friends to be here and thank God for all the waves he sent to me. This event is always so entertaining to watch. I am so excited to win with my friends and family all here.”

The Swatch Pro Trestles, Stop No. 7 of 10 on the 2017 Women’s CT, saw a dominant performance from Silvana Lima (BRA), who claimed a massive win over Keely Andrew (AUS) by putting her in a combination situation with nearly half the heat remaining. Lima showcased her formidable forehand attack throughout the week and earned two more excellent scores in the final, an 8.67 and 8.93.

Andrew did her best to fight back, but despite having posted a string of eight and nine point rides earlier in the event, she couldn’t find a score greater than a 6.00 in the final.

“I still can’t believe I won over here,” Lima said. “All I could think about after the last event was coming here to Lowers. It’s my favorite wave on tour because I can surf how I like, do turns how I like and I just had to keep going. Heading into that final it took me back to my last final at Bells (in 2010) and I just wanted to smash it. When it came down to the last five minutes having Keely [Andrew] in a combination, I realized I won and couldn’t believe it.”

The next event on the 2017 WSL Women’s CT will be the Cascais Women’s Pro, which will see the world’s best female surfers head to Portugal from September 27 to October 5, 2017.

The next CT event for Men is the Quiksilver Pro France on the Bay of Biscay coast from October 7 to 18.

Highlights from the Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro events at Trestles can be found at WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running in excess of 180 global events across the Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels, and in doing so crowns the undisputed world champions in Men’s, Women’s across all divisions within the tour.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Tyler Wright, John John Florence, Paige Alms, Grant Baker, Phil Rajzman, Tory Gilkerson, Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, Gabriel Medina, Courtney Conlogue and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Issued on behalf of:

SAN CLEMENTE, California, USA (Wednesday, September 14, 2016) – South Africa’s Jordy Smith claimed victory at the Hurley Pro in California on Wednesday, defeating 2012 World Champion Joel Parkinson in the final of Stop No 8 of 11 on the Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) in 1 – 1.3 metre waves at the high performance cobblestone break of Lower Trestles.

The win was Smith’s fifth on the Championship Tour, his second at Lower Trestles and his best result of 2016 season, earning the 28 year-old from Durban US $100,000 (R1.4 million) and 10,000 points which lifted him to No. 4 on the Jeep Leaderboard and firmly into the World Title race with three events remaining on the schedule.

“I’ve had a really good surfboard under my feet this event,” Smith said. “I came into the event with an open mind. I missed it last year (through injury) when the waves were firing so I just wanted to come in and take it heat-by-heat. I’ve watched Joel [Parkinson] throughout my career and he’s one of my favourite surfers. I’m frothing and I’m over the moon.”

Smith’s tactics of staying in the inside position at the start paid off and he established a strong lead with a 6.0 and an excellent 8.17 early in the final as the two former event winners went head-to-head. But Parkinson responded with a 6.93 and a critical 8.43, the highest scoring ride of the clash, before Smith added a 7.63 to his tally. Without priority and three minutes on the clock, the Australian needed a 7.27 to take the win, but was not able to land the requirement.

“If I can be in with a shot at the World Title this year then that will be great,” continued Smith. “The European events can go either way so I’m just going to try my hardest and see how it goes. I think my Round 4 match-up against Kelly [Slater] and Michel Bourez was the toughest here, and of course that semi-final against Filipe (Toledo) was a big heat too.”

This event marks Parkinson’s best result of the year and his first finals appearance since the 2014 J-Bay Open where he also earned a runner-up finish. The 2004 Lowers Champion found his form once again, overcoming in-form local wildcard Tanner Gudauskas (USA) in a nail-biting semi-final duel to earn a place in the final against Smith. Parkinson moves up eight places to sixth on the Jeep Leaderboard.

“I really fell in love with this wave and this town in 2004,” Parkinson said. “This year was another wonderful year at Trestles and I’m really happy to be back here and on the podium — it feels really good. This event I was so motivated and really keen to notch up a win. The talent of surfing in this event is incredible and I have to give it to Jordy, he’s an amazing surfer and a top World Title contender.”

Tyler Wright (AUS) claimed her fourth Championship Tour victory of the season in an all-Australian final against six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS). The win sees Wright retain the Jeep Leader Yellow Jersey, increases her lead on the rankings and moves her ever closer to claiming her first World Title heading into the last three events.

“It’s been quite a journey from this point last year and a lot has changed this season,” said Wright. “It’s all come together and I’m absolutely loving it. I knew I had to get on the better waves facing Steph [Gilmore] in the final. Surfing against her is great, she’s still one of my surfing idols and inspires me to go after things my own way.”

The two finalists have shared 19 head-to-head CT match-ups, with Wright taking her eighth win over Gilmore. Wright opened her account with an excellent 8.50 and 6.37 to put pressure on the six-time WSL Champion and Gilmore charged back with progressive surfing to lock in a 6.00, but still needed an excellent 8.87.

With two minutes left, a set provided the finalists one last opportunity. Gilmore delivered a near-perfect 9.13 but Wright was able to improve her 6.37 with an 8.63 and take the win.

Gilmore posted the highest heat total of the Swatch Women’s Pro in Round 4 and her runner-up finish sees the 2014 event winner move up from 7th to 5th place on the Jeep Leaderboard.

“I love this place and this wave so it’s really nice to come here and get a good result,” said Gilmore. “Congrats to Tyler [Wright]! My goal is just to win an event this season. Since my injury I haven’t really put together a complete performance so we’ll see what happens heading into Europe and in Hawaii, which is a favourite.

South Africa’s Bianca Buitendag was eliminated in Round 2 of the Swatch Women’s Pro, finishing equal 13th and dropping from 10th to 12th on the Jeep Leaderboard. The 22 year-old from Victoria Bay will be determined to deliver great results in Europe and Hawaii to force her way back into the top 10 in order to re-qualify for a fourth successive year on the CT.

The next event on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour will be the Cascais Women’s Pro, which will see the world’s best female surfers go head to head in Portugal from September 24 – 2 October. The next CT event for men is the Quiksilver Pro France from 4 – 15 October.

Highlights, images and video footage of every heat from the Hurley Pro and the Swatch Women’s Pro are available at WorldSurfLeague.com

Note: High resolution images are available on request for media outlets

About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.

Michael February throws an arc of spray on his way to a career best 3rd place result at the Azores Airlines Pro on Saturday Photo: WSL / Masurel

– Early Elimination for Bianca Buitendag at Trestles– WSL Africa Titles up for Grabs in Morocco this Week

Cape Town’s Michael February posted best result of his professional career on the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) in the Azores on Saturday, while Durban’s Jordy Smith advanced directly into the Quarterfinals of the Hurley Pro Trestles, Stop No. 8 of 11 on the Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour (CT), in California later the same day.

Competing in the QS6,000 rated Azores Airlines Pro, February cut a swathe through the top seeds in the event before being narrowly pipped in the semi-finals, finishing the event in equal third place with earnings of US $5 500 (R77 000) and 3 550 points.

Despite still wearing strapping on the ankle he injured before the Ballito Pro in June, the 23 year-old from Kommetjie benefitted from his powerful manoeuvres and excellent strategic decisions to defeat higher rated opponents such as Pat Gudauskas (USA), Mitch Coleborn (AUS) and others before falling to eventual event winner Ian Gouveia (BRA).

His record setting points haul sees February leapfrog 45 places up the QS leaderboard to No. 35, which cements his place in the remaining top rated QS10,000 events at Cascais in Portugal next week, and the two season-ending Hawaiian events in November and December, and assures him of preferential seeding in those events.

February is now less than 5 000 points off the Top 10 on the QS rankings, and 1 000 points behind Beyrick de Vries (uMhlanga), whose 73rd place result in the Azores dropped him three places to No. 27 in the rankings. Although they will be up against the world’s best at Cascais, and particularly in Hawaii, the pair has the opportunity to challenge for a top 10 yearend finish and qualification for the elite 2017 WSL CT.

See full results and video highlights from the Azores Airlines Pro at http://bit.ly/2cSNkK6

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Jordy Smith propelled himself into the 2016 World Title race with a towering display in his Round 4 match-up at the famed high-performance cobblestone break of Trestles on Saturday afternoon. Posting a pair of scintillating 9.0 point rides, the lanky resident of nearby San Clemente dispatched Michel Bourez (PYF) and Kelly Slater (USA) to cutthroat Round 5 elimination heats while progressing directly to the last eight himself.

“Going into that heat with Michel [Bourez], obviously one of the most powerful surfers in the world, as well as Kelly [Slater] — I just wanted to do my best surfing and Round 4 allows you to be a lot more free,” said Smith, who narrowly scraped through his Round 3 heat earlier in the day.

Ranked equal No. 5 on the Jeep Leaderboard coming into the event, Smith is now the highest seeded surfer left in the contest after a series of major upsets saw rankings leader John John Florence (HAW), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Julian Wilson (AUS) all eliminated from competition.

Having already earned 5 200 points, enough to see him move into fourth place in the rankings, Smith will face the winner of the Round 5 duel between Bourez and giant-killing wildcard Brett Simpson (USA) when competition resumes. A repeat of his 2014 victory at Trestles would see Smith move to within 1 000 points of a top three berth heading into the last three events of the year on the CT in France, Portugal and Hawaii.

See results, videos, image and LIVE coverage from 4.30pm daily at http://bit.ly/2bH1E6Q

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Bianca Buitendag was eliminated in Round 2 of the Swatch Women’s Pro at Trestles last week, finishing equal 13th in the event where she was runner-up last year.

Sitting right on the qualification bubble going into Stop No. 7 of 10 on the Samsung Galaxy WSL Women’s CT, Buitendag is likely to drop out of the Top 10 who automatically re-qualify for the elite top tier as several lower ranked women are still in contention in California.

With a QS ranking of No. 166, the 22 year-old from Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape, who ended last year ranked a career-high fourth on the CT, will be determined to post good results in the remaining three events of season in Portugal (Cascais), France and Maui in Hawaii in order to retain her seat at Women’s surfing’s highest table.

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The 2016 WSL Africa regional titles for Men and Women will be up for grabs in Morocco when the Quiksilver Pro Casablanca and Roxy Pro Casablanca, both QS1,500 rated events, start tomorrow in front of the Anfaplace Shopping Center in the city.

The second edition for Men and inaugural Women’s event are co-sanctioned by WSL Africa and WSL Europe with the points earned counting towards the surfers’ respective regional rankings.

While WSL Africa rankings leader Beyrick de Vries and second placed Micheal February have opted to remain in Europe to practice for the QS10,000 rated Cascais Pro in Portugal starting next weekend, third ranked Dylan Lightfoot and fourth ranked fellow Jeffreys Bay resident Matt McGillivray will be determined to claim the coveted WSL Africa title, won last year by David van Zyl (Glenashley).

The champions from each region are guaranteed entry into all the major QS events in the following year which is a huge advantage for any surfer hoping to qualify for the elite WSL Championship Tour.

Tanika Hoffman (Hout Bay) and Emma Smith (Jeffreys Bay) will be aiming to overtake current rankings leaders Faye Zoetmulder (Cape St Francis) and Nikita Robb (East London) to clinch the regional Women’s title. Hoffman, currently third, only needs to collect her vest for the first heat to take the lead, but will be wary of Smith who can grab the title by finishing first or second in the event.

About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.

Bianca Buitendag (Victoria Bay, ZAF) on her way to the quarterfinals of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro in Australia Image: WSL / Cestari

Sebastian Zietz Claims Victory over World’s Best, Vaults to No. 2 in the WorldTyler Wright Clinches Second Event Title in 2016

South African’s Bianca Buitendag and Jordy Smith are both ranked in the Top 10 in their respective women’s and men’s Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tours (CT) after the third stop of the season, the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro in Western Australia.

Buitendag (Victoria Bay, ZAF) advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time this year before being eliminated by three-time WSL and reigning WSL women’s champion Carissa Moore (HAW). Her 5th place finish saw Buitendag climb from eleventh to No. 8 on the Jeep Rankings leaderboard.

Smith (Durban, ZAF), who came into Margaret River ranked No. 3 following his runner-up result at Bells Beach, posted several powerful performances before he was ousted by Brazilian rookie Caio Ibelli in the round before the quarterfinals. Smith dropped four places to No. 7 on the leaderboard after finishing 9th overall in Western Australia.

Wright took the lead early in the final and then put her opponent in a combination situation and needing to improve on both her scores when the Australian completed a deep tube ride for a near perfect 9.60 out of 10. Conlogue, who has won three titles at this event, struggled to find the scores to combat Wright and was left needing a 9.97 point ride for victory.

“I knew Courtney was just dropping 9-point rides every heat, so I had to be smart in selecting my waves and turns and not get over excited,” Wright said. “Every wave I had felt dreamy. This event was easy for me. No massive mental challenges, so I was really stoked on that and the happy headspace I’ve been in.”

Conlogue will continue to wear the Jeep Leaders Jersey in the next event in Rio de Janeiro in May as she remains in 1st place position on the rankings. The American continued to demonstrate strong and consistent performances that saw her reach her third straight final on the 2016 CT.

Sebastian Zietz (HAW), a former elite tour competitor and injury replacement surfer on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, claimed his first CT victory at Margaret River in a dramatic final against Julian Wilson (AUS) on Saturday.

Wilson opened up a lead in the final but Zietz responded by posting a 9.10 to stay in contention. A set of waves with five minutes remaining resulted in Wilson taking the first one but not improving his two-wave total while Zietz showcased his trademark Hawaiian power and style to grab the lead.

“I am stoked,” Zietz said. “The pressure was on and I pulled that last maneuver in the white-water and made it. To win was definitely the goal I’d set for a long time. It is epic to win a CT event against all the top guys and come out on top. I just want to dedicate this win to my family and everyone at home.”

After narrowly failing to requalify for this season’s elite tour, Zietz has been competing as an injury replacement in the three Australian leg events. His event win now vaults the Hawaiian to No. 2 in the world heading into the remainder of the year.

“I love the wave here and the crowd that comes down,” said Wilson. “That was a good final. Massive congrats to Seabass [Sebastian Zietz] for his first win. We were able to go blow for blow and produce two great heat totals out there. I am happy to get a good result here and Bells was a better result than last year. I look forward to the rest of the year and to carry that momentum and fire into Brazil.”

The next stop on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour will be the Oi Rio Pro from May 10 – 21, 2016

The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.
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Jordy Smith (ZAF) posted his best result at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach when he finished runner-up to Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in pumping 2 – 3 metre (6 -10 feet) waves at the iconic venue in the Australian State of Victoria on Sunday.

The second stop on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is the longest-running annual surf event in the world and today proved nothing short of historic with Wilkinson’s victory being the first for a goofy-footer at Bells Beach in 17 years (last won by Mark Occhilupo in 1998).

The final showcased Wilkinson and Smith exchanging huge scores as each battled to hold the lead. Wilkinson unleashed his strong backhand to deliver vertical snaps, earning him a 9.20 and an 8.17, challenging Smith to find two new scores at the halfway point. Smith finished with a 14.16 two-wave combined score, but it was not enough to beat Wilkinson’s total of 17.37.

After suffering a string of injuries in 2015, Smith’s performance at Bells puts his WSL Title campaign back on track. Although he experienced an early Round 2 loss at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast last month, he made a major comeback by defeating Australians Adam Melling and Kai Otten, Caio Ibelli (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF) and posting a first victory at Bells over three-time WSL Champion and four-time event winner Mick Fanning (AUS) on his way to the Final.

“Last year I had a back injury and struggled through it, but I am glad to make the Final here today,” Smith said. “This year was a little different for me at Bells. I did not have my expectations so high, and I wanted to put on a good performance and surf my best. I am just trying to put my head down and do the best surfing I can and work as hard as I can.”

The result sees Smith vault to No. 3 on the Jeep rankings heading into the third stop on the Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour – the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro – which starts in Western Australia on Friday 8 April.

Following a win at the opening stop of the season on the Gold Coast, the Wilkinson has gone back-to-back to start the year with today’s emphatic victory and now holds a points total that is more than double his nearest challenger.

“I have been trying to win everywhere, forever and it has never happened, and this year I seem to keep picking up trophies, which is making me feel pretty good,” Wilkinson said, “I am so happy to be at Bells. I’ve been coming down to this event for so long, and I’ve always wanted to win it. I finally got my chance.”

Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) caused an upset by relegating six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) to Round 2 in the opening round encounter. But the 22 year-old from Victoria Bay was narrowly outpointed by Alessa Quizon in Round 4 and ended her Bells Beach campaign in ninth place overall, slipping to No. 11 in the rankings.

Highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach are available at WorldSurfLeague.com.

The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.
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Jordy Smith (Durban, ZAF) powers his way over the falling lip on his way to Round 4 of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Australia Image: WSL / Sloane

Jordy Smith and Bianca Buitendag have advanced to Round 4 of the men’s and women’s events at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the second stop on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).

Both South Africans suffered early exits at the first event of year on the Gold Coast of Australia two weeks ago and, being the tallest surfers on their respective tours, have relished the additional size and power of the waves at Bells Beach, the iconic venue for this event for past 55 years.

Smith, after finishing second to John John Florence (HAW) in their non-elimination Round 1 heat held in one metre waves on Friday, was able to use his full repertoire of carving rail manoeuvres to defeat dangerous injury replacement Adam Melling (AUS) in unruly double overhead, three metre conditions on Saturday.

The Durbanite continued his momentum on Sunday, slashing his way through the 1 to 1.5 metre onshore surf on Sunday to post victory over Kai Otton (AUS) and advance to Round 4. There he faces three-time world champion and four-time and defending Bells champion Mick Fanning (AUS) and rookie Conner Coffin (USA) with the heat winner progressing directly to the quarterfinals while the other two compete in elimination two-man Round 5 heats.

Smith, a three-time semifinalist at Bells, and Fanning are the only top-12 seeded surfers remaining in the bottom half of the draw following a series of major upsets that saw Joel Parkinson, Florence and Gabriel Medina sidelined by rookies Coffin, Caio Ibelli (BRA) and Davey Cathels (AUS), while Kelly Slater was ousted by Michel Bourez (PYF).

Buitendag started her Bells campaign with a well deserved Round 1 win over six-time world champ Stephanie Gilmore and rookie Chelsea Tuach of Barbados to skip Round 2. However, the 22 year-old from Victoria Bay was relegated to third place by reigning world and Bells champ Carissa Moore and fellow Hawaiian Malia Manuel in Round 3.

Buitendag faces a match up with another Hawaiian in Alessa Quizon when competition resumes with the winner advancing to a quarterfinal clash with Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and the loser eliminated from the event in equal ninth place overall.

Sunday’s action was capped off with the WSL Heritage Series heat between Australian former world champions Barton Lynch (1988) and Damien Hardman (1987, 1991). Despite the challenging lineup, the icons surgically dismantled the tricky Bells conditions on their backhand, with Lynch walking away the victory

Surfline, the official forecasters for the event, are predicting a dropping swell and onshore winds for Tuesday and Wednesday. Clean but small conditions are likely for Thursday before the swell fills in again with offshore winds from Friday.

Event organizers will reconvene each morning at 8am local time (11pm SA time) to assess conditions for a possible recommencement of competition.

All the action from the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach can be watched LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com which also features full results, images, video footage, the Heat Analyser, news, forecasts, and more.

The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.

The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.
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Benji Brand Into Round 3 at Sunset After Winning Opening Two HeatsMichael February and Beyrick de Vries Bow Out

South Africans Bianca Buitendag and Jordy Smith progressed to Round 4 of their respective World Surf League (WSL) events at Honolua Bay on Maui and Sunset Beach on Oahu in Hawaii on Sunday.

Buitendag, ranked No. 6 on the Samsung Galaxy WSL Women’s Championship Tour (CT) going into the season ending Target Maui Pro, had a forgettable opening encounter in which she struggled to find the best waves and also suffered a broken leash that necessitated a time-consuming change of equipment.

However, the 22 year-old from Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape bounced back in Round 2, using her signature high-performance backhand repertoire to post a convincing victory over Laura Enever (AUS) in the inconsistent but pristine 1.0 to 1.5 metre waves.

After getting off to a great start in her Round 3 clash, Buitendag was overtaken by Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS). Her runner-up finish means Buitendag now faces a do-or-die clash against good friend Johanne Defay (FRA) for a place in the quarterfinals when competition resumes.

Jordy Smith Photo: WSL / Kirstin

Smith, who has slipped to 29th on the men’s CT rankings after an injury plagued season, gained some competitive momentum for the first time since the Margaret River event in April when he placed second in his opening heat in Round 3 of the QS10 000 Vans World Cup of Surfing.

Competing in windswept, unruly 3 metre plus surf at Sunset, Smith’s powerful, carving manoeuvres on the double to triple-overhead waves earned the lanky 1.9 metre Durbanite a heat total of 13.10 out of 20 and a spot in Round 4 along with heat winner Frederico Marais (PRT).

Benji Brand, whose family has homes in Kommetjie and on the North Shore of Oahu and who competes as a WSL Hawaii member, showed the value of experience in the huge ‘playing field’ at Sunset Beach when he convincingly won both his Round 1 and 2 heats on Saturday. A former finalist in junior events at the break, the 19 year-old caught the best waves in his heats and eliminated a quartet of higher ranked opponents.

When competition in the Vans World Cup resumes, Brand will be in the first heat against WSL CT stars John John Florence (HAW) and Kolohe Andino (USA), as well as US Open of Surfing winner Hiroto Ohhara (JAP).

Beyrick de Vries Photo: WSL / Kirstin

Beyrick de Vries (uMhlanga) was unlucky in his Round 2 encounter when he was wiped-out as he exited one of the biggest tube rides of the day, earning just 2.60 points out of 10 for what could have been a heat-winning ride. Out of rhythm for the rest of the heat, de Vries ended his 2015 campaign on the WSL Qualifying Series with an 81st place finish. He pocketed US $500 and 500 rankings points that will not factor into his overall ranking which currently stands at No. 50.

Michael February (Kommetjie) was eliminated in his Round 1 heat on Saturday. In his rookie season in the season ending Van Triple Crown of Surfing events in Hawaii, February produced excellent performances to advance through two rounds in the Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa last week and will have gained plenty of experience for future campaigns in Hawaii.

Ranked No. 78 going into the final QS event of the year, February will be hoping that the tally of ranking points he has earned from his best five results during 2015 will be sufficient to ensure that he gains a coveted spot in the elite 96-man fields who will contest the QS10000 events next year.

Both the Target Maui Pro and the Vans World Cup can be watched live on www.WorldSurfleague.com starting at 7pm daily.

NOTE: High resolution images are available to Media Outlets on request

About the World Surf League
The mission of the WSL is simple: to inspire positive change for surfing, our fans and the environment. Formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global products across the Samsung Galaxy men’s and women’s Championship Tours, Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels; it strives to put the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL has energized an already-passionate global fan base with millions around the world tuning-in to see the likes of Kelly Slater, Filipe Toledo, Gabriel Medina, Makua Rothman, Grant “Twiggy” Baker, Greg Long, Stephanie Gilmore, John John Florence, Carissa Moore and others do battle in the most dynamic field of play in all of sports. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

The world class right-hander at Jeffreys Bay will return to the Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour in 2016 Image: WSL / Cestari

– WORLD’S BEST RETURN TO JEFFREYS BAY IN 2016– NORTH POINT ADDED AS BACKUP VENUE IN MARGARET RIVER– MORE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

LOS ANGELES, California/USA (Friday, November 20, 2015) – The World Surf League (WSL) has released its 2016 schedule of events covering the Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours (CT), Qualifying Series (QS), Pro Junior tours and Longboard tours.

Staying true to its core DNA of putting the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves, the 2016 schedule is designed to foster world-class performances from athletes at events taking place around the globe, from Australia to the South Pacific to Europe and beyond.

Among the changes to the 2016 schedule is the introduction of Western Australia’s North Point, which will serve as an exciting additional location to Margaret River and The Box in the event the waves are firing. The WSL is also introducing a new JQS Series of events in Australasia, providing a stronger platform for young men and women surfers to qualify for the World Junior Championship, where, if they perform, they will gain valuable seeding benefits to kick-start their path through the QS to the CT.

“Surfing takes place on the most dynamic and unpredictable playing field in all of sports,” said Kieren Perrow, Commissioner of the WSL. “This year, we’ve witnessed another season of barrier-breaking performances in all kinds of surf and weather conditions. We look forward to an incredible Tour finale for both our Men’s and Women’s CT in Hawaii and onward to 2016.”

Earlier this year, three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning experienced a shark encounter in the Final of the J-Bay Open in South Africa. Since the incident, speculation regarding the event’s future on the WSL Championship Tour has been a consistent topic in the media, and the WSL will return to J-Bay in 2016.

Addressing this issue, Commissioner Perrow said, “Athlete safety is a top priority for the League. We have been in constant discussions with our athletes, event organizers and administrators regarding the future of this event. The WSL has made significant investments in the areas of surveillance and response for all current and future Tour spots, and we are currently working with a number of firms specializing in mitigation technology that focus on both athlete safety and the safety of the marine environment.”

Perrow continued: “The strides we’re making in the areas of surveillance and response are significant, but there presently exists no technology that has been proven to be 100% effective. Our athletes are aware of this, as they have always been.”

The 2015 WSL Championship Tour will finish with the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons in the coming weeks with an historic six surfers in the running for the world surfing crown – Mick Fanning (AUS), Filipe Toledo (BRA), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Owen Wright (AUS) and Julian Wilson (AUS).

The past two seasons have seen major enhancements to the quality and quantity of events for the world’s best female surfers, with the addition of Fiji, Trestles, as well as the move to Hossegor (FRA) and Maui.

“The quality venues have produced some of the most impressive surfing of the season,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL Women’s Commissioner. “And the battle between Carissa Moore (HAW) and Courtney Conlogue (USA) for the 2015 WSL Title will be one for the record books.”

The 2015 WSL Women’s Championship Tour is culminating next week at Honolua Bay with the Target Maui Pro.

A full 2016 WSL schedule, including the Qualifying Series, Pro Junior and Longboard tours as well as Specialty events, can be downloaded from http://bit.ly/1NiiLdu

For more information, check out www.worldsurfleague.com

ENDS

About the World Surf League
The mission of the WSL is simple: to inspire positive change for surfing, our fans and the environment. Formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global products across the Samsung Galaxy men’s and women’s Championship Tours, Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels; it strives to put the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves.

Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL has energized an already-passionate global fan base with millions around the world tuning in to see the likes of Kelly Slater, Filipe Toledo, Gabriel Medina, Makua Rothman, Grant “Twiggy” Baker, Greg Long, Stephanie Gilmore, John John Florence, Carissa Moore and others do battle in the most dynamic field of play in all of sports. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.